AliceF Posted 29 October , 2016 Author Share Posted 29 October , 2016 "Dear Mrs Prestel, After some time of silence I have now the time to send you a sign of life. This is the cemetery where your dear husband my best comrade Albert rests. Best regards from xxx I am currently in a military hospital" [„Werthe [?] Frau Prestel Nach längerem Schweigen komme ich nun wieder dazu dir ein Lebenszeichen zu geben. Dies ist der Fried- hof, wo dein lieber Mann mein bester Kamerad Albert ruht. Viele Grüße von Xxx Bin z.[ur] Z[ei]t. im Lazarett. Abs. Uffz. Will Kriegslazarett Montigny b. Lens [?] xxx A.K. 6. Armee”] There is an Adalbert (not Albert) Prestel from Seehausen in the Verlustenliste, died of wounds 9.9.1915 : http://des.genealogy.net/search/show/1539779 Adalbert Prestel is buried today in St.-Laurent-Blangy according to this http://www.volksbund.de/graebersuche/detailansicht.html?tx_igverlustsuche_pi2[gid]=6eb5e314501bfc62bf5953f2747a7b82&cHash=a78334dbc44e650df747ec37dc72238d Christine Source of the card: http://www.delcampe.net/page/item/id,242995603,var,FRESNES-LES-MONTAUBAN-INAUGURATION-DU-MONUMENT-DU-CIMETIERE-ALLEMAND-CARTE-ALLEMANDE-MULTIVUES,language,E.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 5 November , 2016 Author Share Posted 5 November , 2016 26/08/16 Dearest father! To get some comfort and joy, dearest father, I write to you some lines. In this military cemetery is also Josef Zeitler [?] from Pondorf [?] buried Hopefully xxx father you are still healthy, which is still the case with me until today. See you Best regards your faithful son Franz Best regards also to xxx xxx xxx Text on front: Zeitler's grave is xxx xxx xxx „Im Felde den 26.8.16 Liebster Vater! Um wieder mehr Trost [?] und Freude zu erhalten [?] muss ich Dir liebster Vater wieder einige Zeilen senden. Hier auf dieser Karte in dem Soldatenfriedhof ist auch Zeitler Josef [?] von Pondorf [?] begraben. Hoffentlich xxx Vater bist du noch gesund was bei mir bis heute auch noch der Fall ist. Auf Wiedersehen Grüßt dich dein treuer Sohn Franz Auch liebe Grüße an xxx xxx xxx“ Text on front: „Zeitler sein Grab ist xxx xxx xxx“ Joseph Zeitler, Pondorf, LIR 10, 3. Komp.: died 24.4.1916 http://des.genealogy.net/search/show/3478509 Buried in Lagarde, Kameradengrab: http://www.volksbund.de/graebersuche/detailansicht.html?tx_igverlustsuche_pi2%5Bgid%5D=a299a947dd4ac2d20eaeb7fa6e53fd21&cHash=0fc4661fff984b8520b4b58d330935e8 On Delcampe one could also see a handwritten note with two other names. One I could identify as Michael Johann Guthmann, Wehrmann: 25.01.1916, Lagarde, Grab 42 (not 44 as the note says) http://www.volksbund.de/graebersuche/detailansicht.html?tx_igverlustsuche_pi2%5Bgid%5D=410b17a44c6c4d5cd76bb5f76c13a166&cHash=b42b1cbc48a548664f50813346612820 Verlustenliste from 14.2.1916: Michael Guthmann, LIR 10, 10. Komp.: http://des.genealogy.net/search/show/1000893 Christine Source of the card: http://www.delcampe.net/page/item/id,263040433,var,LAGARDE-F--19141918--Duitse-begraafplaats-Cimetiere-Allemand,language,E.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 12 November , 2016 Author Share Posted 12 November , 2016 A card from 1918, when cemetery motives are not as usual any more as in the first years of the war. Not sure if I got it all right, but I hope the content is understandable: 9.9.1918 My dear wife, Have not received any mail for quite a while. It seems to me that there is a stop of all mail [Postsperre]. One is cut off from the family xxx a crime. There are only few days leave per year and the only thing left – the mail – they also block off. One has to take part in this gypsy life now for the fifth year. It is a shame for our culture. With the hope that you [receive?] this card xxx xxx xxx xxx xxxx. Xxxxx Many kisses your dear Mxxx „Den 9.9.1918 Mein liebes Frauchen[?]! Habe schon eine ganze Zeit keine Post erhalten. Mir scheint [es?] ist wieder mal Postsperre. Man ist abgesperrt von seinen Angehörigen […?] ein Verbrechen. Urlaub gibt es kaum im Jahr paar Tage und das einzigste die Post sperren sie auch noch ab. Dieses Zigeunerleben muß man nun schon das fünfte Jahr mitmachen. Es ist eine Schmach auf unsere heutige Kultur. Mit der Hoffnung das dich diese Karte ….. …………………………….. Küsst herzlichst dein lieber Mxxx“ Abs. M. Tamme San. Komp 30 xxx Fpost 821 Christine Source of the card: https://www.delcampe.de/de/sammlerobjekte/ansichtskarten/militaria-soldatenfriedhoefen/postcard-1918-erster-weltkrieg-frankreich-friedhof-soldatenfriedhof-kreuze-220292552.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 20 November , 2016 Author Share Posted 20 November , 2016 „Dear Marie, I inform you that I sent a large parcel with dirty laundry yesterday. So far I am all right, hopefully you, too. Best regards. Letter will follow. Sends xxx Sender: xxx Claußen, 2. Landw. [?] 104, Feldpost 57“ Sent to Marie Claußner, Klaffenbach near Chemnitz „d. 9.3.16 Liebe Marie Teile dir mit das ich gestern ein großes Paket mit schmutziger Wäsche abge- schickt habe. Soweit geht es mir gut was ich von Euch auch hoffe. Beste Grüße. Brief folgt. Sendet xxx Abs. ? Claußner 2. Landw. [???] 104 Feldpost 57“ Christine Source of the card: https://www.delcampe.de/de/sammlerobjekte/ansichtskarten/frankreich-commercy/original-postcard-ak-buxieres-der-soldatenfriedhof-guerre-mondial-i-erster-weltkrieg-1916-93984694.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 2 December , 2016 Author Share Posted 2 December , 2016 (edited) “Argonnen, 29th of April [1915] Dear Mister and Miss Trautmann Here I inform you that I received your lovely gifts today and want to say many thanks to you and your family with this card, otherwise I am still healthy with my comrades which I hope for you and your dear family as well. With regards Otto H. See you at home Sender Gefr. Hoffmann 8. K [?] LIR 27 16 R [?]“ „Argonnen, d. 29/4 Geehrter Herr und Fräulein Trautmann, Teile Ihnen ergebens [?] mit, dass ich heute in Besitz Ihrer lieben Gaben gekommen bin und sage Ihnen und Ihrer werten Familie meinen besten Dank, durch diese Karte, bin sonst noch gesund mit meinen Kammeraden welches ich von Ihnen u. Ihrer Familie auch hoffe. Mit Gruß Ihr Otto H. Auf Wiedersehen in der Heimat Absdr.: Gefr. Hoffmann 8. K [?] LIR 27 16 R [?]“ Christine Source of the card: http://www.delcampe.de/page/item/id,252839847,var,Bildpostkarte-1915-Ein-einsames-Grab-im-Argonnenwald-KDFeldpostamt-des-XVI-Armeekorps-II-Landwehr-Bat-Inf-27,language,G.html Edited 2 December , 2016 by AliceF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 2 December , 2016 Share Posted 2 December , 2016 AliceF, I cannot tell you just how much I appreciate your very detailed posts and your transcripts and translations, which I always look into! My official academic work involves doing something similar with Latin (and sometimes Greek!) inscriptions, a tough thing sometimes. But reading Latin and Greek military inscriptions is (relatively!) straightforward for me, as is reading German academic papers, ganz einfach, really. But to be able to actually read all this kurrent schrift and make sense of it, and post those transcripts and translations, well, I am awed! So much effort, and so illuminating to see the writing, the transcript and the translation! I doubt very much that I am alone in being really thankful for what you do! So, probably a hobby for you, yes, but really many thanks for all you posts Julian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Feledziak Posted 2 December , 2016 Share Posted 2 December , 2016 I agree - good work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 2 December , 2016 Author Share Posted 2 December , 2016 Thank you for your kind words, Julian! Well, I guess this is some kind of odd interest/hobby, but there are two things that are driving me. One is the fascination of what I experience as a discrepancy between text and view (but I am sure that this was not experienced as such by the writers or the receivers of these cards). The other fact is that I have a couple of family letters (post WW2) written in Sutterlin, which I could not read (have not tried again, but will eventually when I feel ready for it). I am always fascinated about how you and others manage to interpret photographs of uniforms, medals, weapons etc.! Just amazing! I will never get this. Christine P.S. Thought about your comparison with ancient Greek, learnt that at school. Can still read it, but after 30 years without any practice, I cannot understand a single word anymore. But at school of course you deal with nicely printed text, no inscriptions or handwriting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 9 December , 2016 Author Share Posted 9 December , 2016 “Written, the 4th of August 17 Dear Brother! How did you arrive, hopefully well, how did you spent the rest of the leave. I have somewhat settled back in, but still it was better at home. Otherwise I am still all right, which I hope for you, too. With best regards your brother Kurt See you. Sender Unteroff. Kurt Ludwig Füs. Rgt. 36 II Bat. 7. Komp” „Geschrieben, d. 4.8.17 Lieber Bruder! Wie bist du angekommen hoffentlich gut, wie hast du den Urlaub noch hin- gebracht. Ich bin so einiger- maßen wieder eingelebt aber zuhause war es doch besser. Sonst geht es mir noch gut, was ich auch von dir hoffe. Mit herzlichen Grüßen Dein Bruder Kurt Auf Wiedersehen“ Kurt Ludwig was listed as missing on the Verlustenliste of the 14th December 1918. http://des.genealogy.net/search/show/9312151 Found him on the ICRC list with no further information. (Card stamped on the back with January 1919, do not know what this means) Albert Ludwig: I did not find on any list (at least not with that unit or the same place name as Kurt). Does anybody know which cemetery is shown on the card? Christine Source of the card: https://www.delcampe.de/de/sammlerobjekte/ansichtskarten/militaria-soldatenfriedhoefen/soldatenfriedhof-des-fuesilier-regt-36-in-frankreich-1917-412342398.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 16 December , 2016 Author Share Posted 16 December , 2016 “Written 24th of August 1915 Dear little daughter Maria, I have received your dear card with the plane and the one about the trip to the Dechen cave and I was very glad about it. In your holidays you are now at your grandmother’s place. Therefore I want to advise you to be xxx well-behaved and not to forget your school work and […..]” „Geschrieben den 24. Aug. 1915 Liebes Töchterchen Maria Eure liebe Karte mit dem Flieger und die von dem Ausflug zur Dechenhöhle habe ich erhalten und mich sehr dar- über gefreut. Ihr seid jetzt in den Ferien bei der Omma und da möchte ich Euch ermahnen xxx artig zu sein und auch die Schularbeiten nicht vergessen und tüchtig […..] … …. … Abs.: Wehrm: Kon Grunewald [?] 4/Batterie Res. Feld Art 11 11. Res. Div 6. Res. Korps [?]“ More info about the Dechen cave: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dechen_Cave (https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dechenh%C3%B6hle). I was surprised to read that this type of trips that I did with school in the 1970ies, were already done in 1915. Christine Source of the card: http://www.ebay.de/itm/AK-1-WK-Soldatenfriedhof-Nantillois-Frankreich-1915-/252545912866?rmvSB=true&clk_rvr_id=1137949920894&nma=true&si=e%252FOALZdrj%252F8ARyN07DrmUznuG8c%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AOK4 Posted 16 December , 2016 Share Posted 16 December , 2016 On 9-12-2016 at 17:48, AliceF said: Does anybody know which cemetery is shown on the card? Christine Source of the card: https://www.delcampe.de/de/sammlerobjekte/ansichtskarten/militaria-soldatenfriedhoefen/soldatenfriedhof-des-fuesilier-regt-36-in-frankreich-1917-412342398.html I think this may be Ardon-sous-Laon, I have some cards from that cemetery for sale as well on delcampe... The graves from Ardon were moved to laon "Champ de Manoeuvre" after the war. Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 22 December , 2016 Author Share Posted 22 December , 2016 Jan, thanks a lot. Fantastic that you were able to locate the place! Here a cemetery-Christmas card. Well, the content brings me and google translate to our limits (sorry for that): “Ableincourt, 19th of December 1915 Dear Priest! I have received your worthy [???] Christmas parcel and further [?] Sunday papers (Holy Night on the Guard). Thank you very much for this. Thank God I am still all right and healthy. I wish you and your dear family and the entire church community healthy [?] holidays and a happy New Year with xxx peace. Yours sincerely Heinr. Riessner [?]“ On the picture: „Cemetery near the front“ „Ableincourt, 19. Dez. 1915 Sehr geehrter H. Pfarrer! Habe Ihr wertes Weihnachtspaket u. weitre [?] Sonntagsblätter (Heilige Nacht a. f. Wacht) er- halten. Ich danke Ihnen herzl. dafür. Gott Lob & Dank geht es mir soweit gut u. freue mir [?] auch voller Gesundheit. Ihnen mit werter Familie u. der ganzen Kirchengemeinde gesunde Feiertage wünschend und zugl. glückl. gesegnetes Neujahr mit xxx Frieden [?] Grüßt ergebenst Heinr. Riessner [?]“ Vorderseite: „Friedhof in vorderster Linie“ Christine Source of the card: http://www.delcampe.net/page/item/id,278100806,var,ABLAINCOURT-CIMETIERE-ALLEMAND-CARTE-PHOTO-ALLEMANDE,language,E.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilkley remembers Posted 30 December , 2016 Share Posted 30 December , 2016 I have actually been collecting photographs of German war memorials but cemetery photo's often surface during searches. Her is an example from 1915 taken near Rheims. will dig some more out when I get a minute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 31 December , 2016 Author Share Posted 31 December , 2016 Thanks for posting your card! I can not read all of it, but hope that I got most of it right. What I do not get is that the card was stamped at the 30th of June, but it was written the 4th of July. Have not seen this before. The postmark itself might be unusual as well. The card was sent to: „Frau Christine Quedenfeld Wernigerode Oberpfarrkichhof 8 a/Harz“ “4th of July 1915 Dear all Thank you very much for your dear letter from the 2/7. I have received the letter and the note [?] from the xxx, but have had no opportunity yet. I have already asked several times somebody, but they do not know each other at all. If xxx [name?] want to send a wreath, I can gladly get one here for the grave of their son, otherwise it will only take time on its way from there to here. Otherwise I'm fine and send you best regards to you and all friends your father” „Den 4/7 1915 Ihr Lieben Besten Dank für Deinen lieben Brief vom 2/7. Den Brief und den Zettel [?] vom xxx habe ich erhalten, hatte aber noch keine Gelegenheit xxx gefragt habe ich ja schon öfter jemand, aber die kennen sich gar nicht untereinander. Wenn xxx [Name?] einen Kranz schicken wollen, will ich denselben gern hier besorgen zum Grab ihres Sohnes er bleibt blos [?] ein bischen lange unter- wegs von dort bis hierher. Sonst geht es mir gut und bleibe mit den besten Grüßen an Euch und allen Bekannten Euer Vater“ Christine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 5 January , 2017 Author Share Posted 5 January , 2017 "Afield 18.3.16 Beloved aunt! To your namesday tomorrow, I send you my most cordial congratulations and blessings! May God xxxx give you the freshness of health, so that we after peace settlement – in near future - can happily meet again. We are back in the old place. Here is a partial view of the cemetery established [?] behind the emplacement, where our heroes rest in peace despite the thunder of cannons. Also members of our company [?] rest in this fenced grave. May God have been a merciful judge to them. " Right: "Goodbye! Card received " Upside down: "Still well!" Left: "Best regards and kiss to you and my dear sister Carl " Sent to: Ehrwürdige Schwester Marie Josephine Kloster „Unserer lb. Frau“ Straßburg /E. Bergherrngasse 3 ”Im Felde 18.3.16 Inniggeliebte Tante! Zum morgigen Namensfeste entbiete ich Ihnen meine herzlich- sten Glück- und Segenswünsche! Möge der lb. Gott Ihnen die Frische der Gesundheit xxx geben auf daß wir nach Friedens- schluss – recht[?] balde – uns freu- digst begrüßen können. Wir sind wieder am alten Platz. Anbei eine Teilansicht des hin- ter der Stellung errichteten [?] Ehrenfriedhofs, wo unsere Helden in Frieden trotz Ka- nonendonner ruhen. In die- sem umrahmten Grabe ruhen auch Angehörige uns- erer Comp. [?]. Gott möge ihnen ein gnädiger Richter gewesen sein.“ Quer rechts: „Auf frohes Wiedersehen! Karte erhalten“ Auf dem Kopf: „Geht noch gut!“ Quer links: „Herzlichsten Gruß und Kuß an Sie u. meine lb. Schwester Carl“ Christine Source of the card: http://www.delcampe.net/page/item/id,303188120,var,Cimetiegrave;re-militaire-allemand-Argonne-Feldpoststation-Nr-124-Mars-1916,language,E.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 14 January , 2017 Author Share Posted 14 January , 2017 “Monday, July 26th Dear Marie, I have received today your letter from July 24th, write me how things went with xxx xxx. Today we are going to the trenches again. Otherwise no news today. Greetings to you dear xxx Your xxx [Hannes?] " Sender: Joh. Arras RIR 4/81 „Montag, den 26. Juli Liebe Marie, Deinen Brief vom 24. Juli heute erhalten schreibe mir wie es mit xxx xxx gegangen ist. Heute geht es wieder in [den?] Schützengraben. Sonst für heut nichts neues. Es grüßt xxx [euch?] meine lieben xxx Dein xxx [Hannes?]“ A Johannes Arras in RIR 81 4th. Comp. is mentioned once in the Verlustenliste in 1915, before this card was written http://des.genealogy.net/search/show/1511213 Christine Source of the card: https://www.delcampe.net/fr/collections/cartes-postales/france-autres-communes-1/chermizy-aisne-soldatenfriedhof-illustration-du-cimetiere-militaire-allemand-guerre-14-18-avec-poeme-patriotique-405833642.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 21 January , 2017 Author Share Posted 21 January , 2017 „7.4.17 Dear Schosch, I would like to write to you, dear Sch., some lines as well, but it is still not easy. This is a remembrance of the resting place of all the comrades, who die here in the field hospital. Could also be _______. Yet, I hope to God that – even if I am ill – I may see you again. With many regards Your Georg" „Den 7.4.17 Lieber Schosch! Möchte dir l.[ieber] Sch.[osch] auch einige Zeilen schreiben, geht mir je- noch [jedoch?] nicht leicht, das ist ein Andenken von der letzten Ruhestätte all der Kameraden die hier im Lazarett sterben könnte auch die ____ sein hoffe doch zum Herrn, daß ich wenn auch krank Euch doch wieder sehen darf. Es grüßt dich vielmals Dein Georg“ Schorsch is a nickname for Georg, I assume Schosch, too. Christine Source of the card: http://www.ebay.de/itm/122265444755?clk_rvr_id=1156708048395&rmvSB=true Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 21 January , 2017 Share Posted 21 January , 2017 Never knew about the Scho(r)st spitz'name before! More excellent and illuminating work there Christine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 22 January , 2017 Author Share Posted 22 January , 2017 Thanks, Julian! Well, I think this was the first card, I have read, where the sender almost explicit mentions that he might die and be buried in the cemetery shown on the card. Otherwise this has never been written explicitly . But even here the sender makes a line instead of writing the word "mine" - at least it was like that I interpreted it. Christine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mva Posted 23 January , 2017 Share Posted 23 January , 2017 bonjour de la Somme, Here are 4 from my own collection, they all are in the East of the Somme (Roye, Montdidier, Moreuil). You can see them here : https://somme18.com/1919-2/cimetieres-provisoires/ Nothing at the back - except for Hangest . 3 German, the only French is Arvillers If somebody had pictures (cards or other of provisory British cemeteries), I would be interested ! kind regards, martine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceF Posted 25 January , 2017 Author Share Posted 25 January , 2017 Hi Martine, thanks for your comment and the link with your cards! Have no cards of provisory British cemeteries myself, though. Anything interesting written on the back of the card from Hangest? Christine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 26 January , 2017 Share Posted 26 January , 2017 On 1/23/2017 at 17:22, mva said: ... Here are 4 from my own collection, they all are in the East of the Somme (Roye, Montdidier, Moreuil). You can see them here : https://somme18.com/1919-2/cimetieres-provisoires/ There is one Hans Kraus - the pen-and-ink card - on Gräbersuche on line, but his Todes-/Vermisstendatum (08.11.14) is different from the card, which has 28.09.14 Hans Kraus ruht auf der Kriegsgräberstätte in St.-Mihiel. Endgrablage: Kameradengrab Nachname: Kraus Vorname: Hans Dienstgrad: Infanterist Todes-/Vermisstendatum: 08.11.1914 Todes-/Vermisstenort: b. Buxieres Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mva Posted 26 January , 2017 Share Posted 26 January , 2017 12 hours ago, AliceF said: Hi Martine, thanks for your comment and the link with your cards! Have no cards of provisory British cemeteries myself, though. Anything interesting written on the back of the card from Hangest? Christine on the back is only : Soldatenfriedhof in Hangest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mva Posted 26 January , 2017 Share Posted 26 January , 2017 1 hour ago, trajan said: There is one Hans Kraus - the pen-and-ink card - on Gräbersuche on line, but his Todes-/Vermisstendatum (08.11.14) is different from the card, which has 28.09.14 Hans Kraus ruht auf der Kriegsgräberstätte in St.-Mihiel. Endgrablage: Kameradengrab Nachname: Kraus Vorname: Hans Dienstgrad: Infanterist Todes-/Vermisstendatum: 08.11.1914 Todes-/Vermisstenort: b. Buxieres Verlustliste : http://www.denkmalprojekt.org/2014/frankfurt-am-main-hoechst_hoechster-kreisblatt_todesanzeigen_main-taunus-kreis_wk1_aug-dez_1914_hs.html I don't think it is the same Hans Kraus you mentionned, because St Mihiel is too far away from his 1st grave : Champien & Villers les Roye are in the Somme (East of the Somme, Roye). I think his body was lost after 4 years of war (and there was heavy fighting in the East of the Somme in 1918). The 'Todes-/Vermisstenort is not the same either Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 26 January , 2017 Share Posted 26 January , 2017 41 minutes ago, mva said: Verlustliste : http://www.denkmalprojekt.org/2014/frankfurt-am-main-hoechst_hoechster-kreisblatt_todesanzeigen_main-taunus-kreis_wk1_aug-dez_1914_hs.html I don't think it is the same Hans Kraus ... Yes, you are right. The DOD made me wonder if it was the same person but I had no idea of the distance between where 'my' man fell and this one on the card was buried. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now